Wizz Air has announced that its London Gatwick base will welcome its first Airbus A321XLR (Extra Long Range) aircraft. The new fleet arrival, set for March 2025, will kickstart a direct route from London Gatwick to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
The A321XLR’s extended reach and efficiency will allow Wizz Air to offer direct long-haul flights at significantly lower fares. The new single-aisle aircraft, with its long range capability and greater operating efficiency threatens to disrupt the traditional long-haul flight service model.
A New Chapter in Intercontinental Travel
European low-cost carrier Wizz Air is known for its aggressive expansion strategies. The arrival of the new A321XLR is now scheduled for March 2025. This will take Wizz Air and its budget-conscious offerings to the next level.
The aircraft’s inaugural route will connect London Gatwick directly to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, a journey spanning nearly seven hours. This strategic move further expands Wizz Air’s operational reach. It also promises to transform the existing travel experience for long-haul flight operations.
József Váradi, Wizz Air’s Chief Executive Officer, emphasized the significance of this development, saying: “The Airbus A321XLR is the most cost-efficient aircraft in its class.”
“Its enhanced range capability allows Wizz Air to connect the farthest destinations in its network, while also providing opportunities for further expansion, connecting more cultures, economies, and continents.”
The A321XLR Advantage: Efficient & Affordable
The A321XLR’s extended range and improved efficiency are set to be game-changers for both the airline and the aviation industry. Wizz Air plans to leverage these capabilities to offer direct access to distant destinations at significantly lower fares than traditional carriers.
Moreover, the A321XLR’s environmental credentials are impressive. Wizz Air estimates that the aircraft’s carbon intensity will be at least 30% less than that of other carriers operating on similar routes. This ramps up the airline’s already strong commitment to more sustainable operations.
Beyond London Gatwick
While the London Gatwick-Jeddah route is set to be the flagship service for Wizz Air’s A321XLR operations, the airline’s ambitions already extend further afield.
Another A321XLR will be based in Italy, operating daily flights between Milan Malpensa and Abu Dhabi starting from June 2, 2025. This move signals Wizz Air’s intention to create a network of long-haul budget routes across Europe and beyond.
Strengthening UK Presence
The decision to base the first A321XLR at London Gatwick comes as no coincidence. It reflects Wizz Air’s commitment to strengthening its presence in the UK market.
Since establishing its second UK base at Gatwick in October 2020, the airline has demonstrated remarkable growth. Currently, the airline operates five Airbus A321neo aircraft from the airport, serving 26 destinations across 17 countries and employing 259 staff.
Stewart Wingate, CEO of London Gatwick, was understandably pleased with the development. “We’re delighted that Wizz Air has decided to operate its first A321XLR based in the UK from London Gatwick. This new type of aircraft will allow us to provide a wider range of routes and increase our capacity, offering our passengers even more travel opportunities.”
Wizz Air UK Performance
Wizz Air’s expansion is not solely focused on new routes and aircraft. The airline has made significant investments in its operations and customer service, resulting in impressive performance improvements.
In 2024, the carrier’s flight completion rate in the UK stands at an impressive 99.5%, with 100% completion achieved in February and May. On-time performance for UK flights has increased by 11% to 70%, while flight cancellations have been reduced by 28%.
Looking Ahead
As Wizz Air prepares to enter this new phase of its development, it will be watched with keen interest. The introduction of the A321XLR to the fleet represents a bold step towards democratizing long-haul travel. It has the potential to disrupt traditional market dynamics and offering consumers more choices than ever before.
As the countdown to March 2025 begins, travelers and industry observers will watch developments with interest.
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